By: Roxie Graham-Marski Posted at: 02/18/2013 07:37 AM PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - The Senate and House committees on Health and Human Services will hold a joint hearing Wednesday on the possibility of expanding Medicaid to cover more low-income people as part of the national health care overhaul.

A group of lawmakers, including leaders from both parties, recommended that the hearing be held so lawmakers can learn more about the advantages and drawbacks of expanding Medicaid, the state-federal program that pays the medical expenses of poor people.

The state's Medicaid program covers about 116,000 children, adults and disabled people. An expansion would add an estimated 48,000 people, mostly adults without children.

The hearing is one of several this week when the legislative session reconvenes Tuesday.